For the first time, some young children will be offered the jab via a school immunisation team,
The NHS has issued an urgent call for a vulnerable group of people to get a vital winter vaccine. Children aged two to three living in some areas of England will be offered a flu vaccine via a school immunisation team.
This is part of a wider call for all pregnant women and children to come forward for their jabs. They are also offered to children from six months old to 18 if they are considered a clinical risk.
In an update, NHS England explained that “most” school-aged children will receive their flu vaccinations at school. But younger children and those who miss their school or nursery session can also get the vaccine at their GP practice or at a community clinic.
Pregnant women should speak to their maternity team to receive the flu jab at their scheduled maternity appointments, or by contacting their local GP practice or a pharmacy.
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “We’re taking action now to protect the most vulnerable and build our defences before seasonal viruses take hold. Last winter showed us the significant impact the flu vaccination programme has with over 100,000 hospitalisations prevented, protecting patients from disease and the NHS from winter pressures.
“I urge all eligible families to come forward as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated now means you’ll be protected before peak flu season hits.”
Today (September 1) the NHS National Booking System also opens for all eligible people to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from October 1.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “The threat from getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19 is all too real and each year we see hundreds of thousands of people hospitalised due to these nasty viruses – especially across the winter months.
“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving – so I would urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their jabs as soon possible, to help protect themselves and loved ones.
“Flu and Covid vaccines are free to those at greatest risk and teams across the country are working hard to make it as quick and easy as possible to get them via local GP practices, pharmacies, in schools and other community clinics, so please do book an appointment today – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.”
As well as children and pregnant women, from October the flu vaccination is being offered to everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff. This year, COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
For adults eligible for both vaccines the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in one visit. Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations will be available until January 30, 2026, with flu jabs offered until the end of March 2026.
As reported by NHS England, the flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
Those eligible for a vaccine can book on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119.